By now, the story of how Jlin went from working in a steel factory in Gary, Indiana to being one of the most widely appreciated electronic musicians is well known. Black Origami was one of the most lauded albums last year. Seriously prolific and seriously hard-working, she has toured constantly since its May 2017 release and despite being involved in a wide range of projects, still manages to find a balance and time to do some personal healing and growing.

Here we are over a year later with Autobiography, the score for her collaboration with renowned British choreographer Wayne McGregor (a collaboration arranged by Krakow’s Unsound). This isnt technically her third album, but the soundtrack stands up on its own with all the emotional peaks and troughs of a well-sequenced LP. For Jlin, making music for dance is the fulfillment of one of her lifelong dreams and remarkably, Company Wayne McGregors performance was the first show shed ever seen. She describes the process of working with Wayne: We first met face to face in October 2016 in a downtown Chicago hotel, talking for about a solid two hours. Immediately, I saw Wayne was very friendly and energetic. Hes brilliant, witty, and knows exactly what he wants; anabsolute gem to work with. Before I even started composing for Autobiography, Wayne told me so gently that he trusts me completely with my direction of creating the score. That was the best feeling in the world. I would wake up at two in the morning and work until six in the evening until I completed all the pieces. We were both very happy with the outcome. Creating the score for an impeccable piece of work such as Autobiography changed my life as an artist.

Autobiography is a highlight in an evolving and growing career. During the last year, Jlin has also become an in-demand remixer, securing her place among a roster of music heavyweights. Unsurprisingly, given her positive and outgoing nature, she also developed friendships with the artists she has remixed such as Bjrk, Max Richter and Ben Frost. (via Label)

Label: Planet Mu
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 2018
Genre: Electronic
Style: Breakbeat, Experimental

File under: Leftfield